New Job

Yes, I have a new job! I am now a middle school band director. This is something I really wanted to do, but didn't think I would have the opportunity this soon. The former director took a position that opened up at our high school, which in turn opened the door for me. The district decided to move us into our new positions right away because the band has some pretty important parades coming up in the spring. So far it's been kind of like trying to cook in someone else's kitchen. I've had to spend a lot of time just figuring out where "stuff" is and how the building runs. I have a fantastic schedule where I basically spend the day teaching lessons, then have band during the last period of the day. I go NONSTOP all day, but am loving it. With this transition I've been pretty consumed with work, but am really missing my camera. So, that being said, pictures tomorrow!

Unexpected gifts

I think unexpected gifts bring the most joy. Ok, now I'm not taking anything away from the gifts we receive on special occasions like birthdays, etc. but let's be honest. They are......well, expected. However, the unexpected gift is different. There is no precursor, no expectation, no anything. And one can't help but feel humbled by the generosity of the giver of said gift. At this point you are probably wondering if there is a point to this chatter. Actually, there is a story. Tonight, Jeremy, Paxton and I went to dine at Ruby Tuesday's. While there we ran into John, who is the owner of the jewelry store where, among other things, Jeremy bought my engagement ring and I bought his wedding band. As far as being a jeweler goes, I always felt very comfortable with him and felt that he was always honest with me. You don't really get that in the mall. Anyway, he was very happy to meet Paxton and shared an amazing story with me about the adoption of their first child. Soon after our meal arrived, Paxton grew fussy and we asked for boxes and our check. The manager arrived shortly after along with John letting us know that our bill had been taken care of. We were absolutely speechless! We both thanked John and probably looked rather dumbfounded sitting there. I looked at Jeremy and could see that his eyes were welling up like mine. We held it together though and gave thanks for such a good person in this world. So if the opportunity presents itself, think about giving an unexpected gift. It will really touch someone's heart.

For Jeremy

He loudly insisted that I post this pic.....

Yes, I think it needs to go in my new office. More on that later.

Beginning to thaw

Jeremy and I actually had to return to the work force today. I am very thankful that we have jobs that give us time off when the weather is bad. It was still rough though. We were pretty spoiled from sleeping in and wearing PJ's most days. It's not like summer vacation where you can actually enjoy being outside with little effort. Paxton seemed happy to see Jean, Sarah, Grace and Seamus (he's the cat) today. She may have been a little tired of only seeing our mugs for the last two weeks! After work, the sun made a rare appearance, so I grabbed the camera to get some pics of our icicles that are beginning to melt. There are some places that have HUGE icicles that I would love to photograph, but I'm a little nervous. I certainly wouldn't want to be around when they come down. Here are some shots of the melting ice.

A new/old goal

_MG_2386, originally uploaded by cyclechickmary.

I've been slowly re-introducing myself to the treadmill. Today I decided to step it up a little and actually break into a jog. I've got a plan and a goal. "They" say that if you say your goal out loud it helps you stick with it, so here it is. My goal is to run (ok, jog) the entire 5K at the Race for the Cure.

Lamby

_MG_2371, originally uploaded by cyclechickmary.

Almost forgot....here's yet another gratuitous depth of field shot. I'm having waaaaaay too much fun with those!

Blue-eyed girl

We had a rare day of good light today, so I quickly took advantage of it and grabbed the babe. We thought it would be fun to stick her in the laundry basket that was on the bed. I was extremely happy with how the shots came out. Her blue eyes really sparkled and since I actually had a shutter speed above 20 for once not too much blur! Since I only know how to post 5 pics at a time on here, you only get a few. Just jump over to flickr to see the rest.